STAGE TUBE: McCartney Performs 'Hey Jude' at the White House!

On June 2, 2010, President Barack Obama presented former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, awarded by the Library of Congress, in the East Room of the White House. The prize, named for American songwriting brothers George and Ira Gershwin, has been awarded annually since 2008 to a musician who has made exceptional contributions to the world of popular song. The prize's first recipient was Paul Simon. Last year, Stevie Wonder received the award.

In presenting the honor, President Obama said: "But part of what gets us through tough times is music, the arts, the ability to capture that essential kernel of ourselves, that part of us that sings even when times are hard. And it's fitting that the Library has chosen to present this year's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song to a man whose father played Gershwin compositions for him on the piano; a man who grew up to become the most successful songwriter in history -- Sir Paul McCartney...By its very definition, popular music is fleeting. Rarely is it composed with an eye towards standing the test of time. Rarer still does it actually achieve that distinction. And that's what makes Paul's career so legendary.

Click here to read the President's full transcript on BroadwayWorld!

We now bring you a video clip of the legendary Beatle serenading the First Family and thier guests with a rendition of "Hey Jude."  watch!

Born in Liverpool, England in 1942, McCartney helped change the world of music as a member of The Beatles, contributing to such legendary albums as 'Please Please Me,' 'Revolver,' 'Help!,' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,' and 'The White Album.' Since the breakup of The Beatles, McCartney has worked both as a solo artist, producing albums such as 'Memory Almost Full,' and with the group Wings, producing albums including 'Band On The Run' and 'Wings at The Speed Of Sound.' Most recently he received critical acclaim as 'The Fireman' (a collaborative project between McCartney and producer Youth) with their 2008 'Electric Arguments' album. Paul McCartney is also an accomplished, award-winning classical composer. McCartney was awarded a special Outstanding Contribution Award at the 2008 BRIT Awards at Earls Court in London and presented with an honorary doctorate of music by Yale University. McCartney was appointed Fellow of The Royal College of Music in 1995 by The Prince of Wales and was knighted for his services to music by H.M. the Queen of England in 1996. For more information, visit The Library of Congress' website.

 

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